Elegu, Uganda – August 2025 — Floodwaters have engulfed parts of Elegu Town, compounding an already dire cholera outbreak and displacing thousands of residents. Local authorities warn that the situation is worsening by the day, as both access to clean water and safe sanitation rapidly deteriorate.
John Idra Kovuki, Chairperson of Elegu Town Council, confirmed on Thursday that thousands of residents in Lorikor West village have been directly affected. Many families have been forced to flee their homes, now submerged in floodwaters, and are seeking refuge on higher ground along roadsides and open spaces.
“We are facing a dual crisis—floods have destroyed homes and latrines, while also contaminating water sources. This is fueling the spread of cholera at an alarming rate,” said Idra.
Elegu, a border town near South Sudan, is frequently prone to seasonal flooding, but this year’s heavy rains have been particularly devastating. The overflow from the nearby Unyama River has not only displaced households but has also crippled local efforts to contain the cholera outbreak that began earlier this year.
Contaminated Water, Rising Infections
Health officials in Amuru District report that dozens of suspected cholera cases are being registered daily, especially among displaced families lacking access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Makeshift shelters are overcrowded, and safe hygiene practices are nearly impossible to maintain under the circumstances.
Government and Partner Response
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with district authorities and humanitarian organizations, has dispatched emergency teams to Elegu to assess the situation and deliver cholera treatment kits. However, local leaders say the support remains insufficient compared to the scale of the crisis.
“People are sleeping in the open, and we have children falling sick with diarrhea and vomiting. We urgently need more clean water, temporary shelters, and medical supplies,” added Idra.
Call for Urgent Action
As Elegu grapples with the compounded effects of natural disaster and disease outbreak, leaders are appealing to the central government and international partners for urgent support.
Without swift and coordinated action, health officials fear the cholera epidemic could spread to neighboring communities and even across the border.
Source: URN
